FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artie Patel held leadership positions throughout his career and he has previously launched an education software business from scratch. When he knew it was time to begin his next business venture, Artie found the Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise in Fremont, CA to be the right fit for his business experience and his family.
Artie further explains his background before franchising with Minuteman Press, saying, “I was in a sales role at SaaS (Software as a Service) companies prior to starting my first business in software. We were gaining customers and momentum, but I had to step away due to some unforeseen circumstances. I began looking into what I wanted to do next with my career and that’s what set the stage for an exploration into pre-existing printing businesses.”
Artie knew how to bring a B2B business to success and knew to look for the top tier, so he explored opportunities on BizBuySell and called Minuteman Press with a very specific intention, to have a fully-vested franchisor to partner in this endeavor. He replied to an ad that connected him to Minuteman Press International Regional Vice President Bob Ylinen and the ideal scenario unfolded at Bob’s direction. An established Minuteman Press franchise in the area with a strong record of collecting and keeping customers happy was ripe for the picking. The previous owners wished to retire after running a successful business since 2002. Artie was poised to take the great things they had done with the brand and its capabilities even further and so he did.
Artie says, “We did about a month of discovery before making a verbal agreement. I did a lot of research online by that time and I looked through so many different things to assess the risk. At that point, I felt confident to sign the franchise agreement with Minuteman Press,” Artie says. “I took over ownership of Minuteman Press in Fremont in January of 2019. I am most excited about this chance to grow it even more.”
While his wife Diana has her own career at LinkedIn and the couple have a child to raise, Artie started his career in print at the training center in New York, where Minuteman Press International World Headquarters resides. He found the experience intense but well worth the trip. Artie explains, “We just had a baby when we finalized the agreement so when I went to training, I left my wife to care for our two-month old by herself. It was difficult to do it, but she did a great job and I came home ready to get to work because I left world headquarters comfortable about every aspect of my business.”
Better still, Artie wasn’t alone as when he arrived back home, as Minuteman Press field representatives were there. “The support I received was phenomenal. They helped me take my foundation from training and it made the ‘day- to- day’ a lot easier.”
Artie is tending to the current, quite contented, customer base to ensure they remain happy as he takes over. “I am learning all I can about their goals and their priorities and I am using LinkedIn and industry publications to strengthen my knowledge through the process. Additionally, the previous owners have been extremely helpful and have served as mentors to me.”
“Problem solving! This is when I listen to what the customer needs and do not stop until we find ways to address those needs.” – Artie Patel on providing personal customer service in Fremont, CA
An interesting void within small business development today is that many do not fully understand the power of print, something Artie has taken charge to fix. “Print is an investment. The local mom and pop may hesitate to make that investment in stand-out business cards, signs and promotional products, but the bigger companies certainly see the value.” Minuteman Press centers adapt and weave to accommodate small business budgets, but need assurance sometimes. He continues, “Many do not realize our capabilities and that Minuteman Press is the modern printing industry. That we can do wide format printing and promotional products along with business cards and flyers is surprising to them.
“I’d say 75% of the people I encounter are surprised by the range of marketing services we provide at Minuteman Press in Fremont.” – Artie Patel
One of his most helpful roles is alleviating the stress of using multiple vendors and eliminating it by proving that proving by consultation with him and his team means one-stop for all these needs. “It’s shocking how much effort people put into vendor shopping. We are excited to be that one place. We take the grunt work off their plate as far as coming up with ideas for campaigns, too. Our goal is to make their lives easier.”
The demand is high for marketing wide-format printing and branded gifts and Artie says, “Customers need help sourcing both, so it’s fantastic that the franchise provides us with a tremendous infrastructure, but running our business is based on knowing our specific customers and our team.”
He inherited his staff with the purchase and they are all well-versed in their jobs and very capable of dealing with clients directly, something that frees Artie to focus on his main objectives. “The big thing for me was to not lose existing customers. This is a relationship driven business and they had a great relationship with the former owners, it’s a priority for me to bridge the gap from those owners to me at this time.”
Bob Ylinen found that Artie made an immediate positive impression: “From our first visit I felt that Artie had the intrinsic ability and entrepreneurial spirit to operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise. Today, he has proven this. He is well on his way in securing his future for himself and family.”
“Learning the printing business, establishing vendor relationships, and establishing an infrastructure to run and grow our business are how I feel I’ve got a mentor in franchising,” Artie says. “Still, growth potential is mine. I see so many possibilities and one of the reasons I am running this digital print, design and marketing center is to help other businesses, but also my employees.”
He adds thoughtfully, “I want people to elevate their careers here at Minuteman Press in Fremont.”
For more information on Minuteman Press in Fremont, CA, visit https://www.bayarea.minutemanpress.com. To learn more about Minuteman Press franchise opportunities, visit https://minutemanpressfranchise.com.
About Minuteman Press International
Minuteman Press International is the number one rated business marketing and printing franchise that offers world class training and unparalleled ongoing local support. At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industry™ providing high quality products and services that meet the needs of today's business professionals and go way beyond ink on paper. Today, our centers offer innovative branding solutions and produce custom designs, promotional products, branded apparel, direct mail marketing, large format printing (banners and posters), signs and graphics, and much more. Prior experience is not necessary to own and operate a successful Minuteman Press franchise.
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